Chile were crowned champions of the Copa América after beating Argentina in Saturday’s final in Santiago. For the first time in history, La Roja can claim that they are the best side on the continent, after 120 minutes of football at the Nacional stadium failed to produce any goals and the match was decided from 11 yards.
Gonzalo Higuaín, who had earlier missed a gilt-edged opportunity to put Argentina in front during open play, was the first to succumb to the penalty shoot-out jitters – blasting his spot-kick high and over. He was followed by Éver Banega, whose kick was saved by Claudio Bravo. Mati Fernández, Arturo Vidal and Aránguiz had all converted for Chile, leaving Alexis Sánchez the chance to make history. The Arsenal forward confidently chipped the deciding kick straight down the middle, Panenka-style to hand Jorge Sampaoli’s side the trophy.